Judge Denies Release of Homicide Defendant

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DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee denied releasing a 43-year-old homicide defendant.

Keith Toney is charged with first-degree shooting while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed for allegedly shooting 45-year-old Melton Grant on June 22, 2019.

Judge Lee denied defense attorney Pierce Suen’s request to release Toney citing his criminal record.

During the Sept. 8 hearing, the defendant also waived his right to additional DNA testing.

According to a court document, the murder allegedly resulted from playful banter between Toney and Grant. The two were heard arguing weeks before the incident.

Toney is set to return back to court on Jan. 6 for a trial readiness hearing. The trial is set to begin on Jan. 18.

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